“With Dan Hughes as the commission's new chairman and Dan Friedkin as chair emeritus, the conservation and stewardship of Texas' parks and wildlife will be ensured for generations to come,” Perry said in a statement.

Perry said that Friedkin has been “a consistent and effective champion for increasing outdoor recreational activities for Texans of all ages and backgrounds.”

Hughes, initially named to the commission by Perry in 2009, is president of Dan A. Hughes Co. LP, Hupecol Operating LLC, and Hupecol Italia LLC.